Could SRAM's expansion of AXS (the wireless integration system that connects electronic bicycle components) all the way down to Apex, the lowest in its groupset hierarchy, bring the advantages of electronic shifting to more price-conscious riders? We find out.
My test set-up is the gravel-friendly, 12-speed Apex AXS XPLR groupset (below Rival, Force and Red), with the optionalupgrade power meter and new 11-44-tooth cassette matched to a 40t chainring. The AXS electronic levers control both gears and brakes and the AXS XPLR electronic rear derailleur helps you shift smoothly across the larger cassette. Apex AXS has a claimed complete weight of 2,900g (just 50g less than Rival AXS) and SRAM claims complete bikes sporting the new groupset should cost from around £2,500.
This story is from the Summer 2024 edition of Cycling Plus UK.
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This story is from the Summer 2024 edition of Cycling Plus UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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Air Apparent - Pollution hasn't gone away. It's still there in every lungful, even if we can't see it in the air or on the news. But there are reasons to breathe easier, thanks to pioneering projects using cycling 'citizen scientists'. Rob Ainsley took part in one...
The toxic effects of pollution have been known about for years. 'Just two things of which you must beware: Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air!' sang 1960s satirist Tom Lehrer.Over recent decades, though, pollution has dropped down our list of things to worry about, thanks to ominously capitalised concerns such as Climate Change, AI, Global Conflict, Species Collapse, etc. That doesn't, unfortunately, mean the problem has expired. Air quality often exceeds safe limits, with far-reaching and crippling effects on our health.
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